Heel forming machine



Jan. 5, 1954 E. D. sYDow HEEL FORMING MACHINE l0 Sheets-Sheet l l m l Filed Aug. 19, 1950 FIG. 25.

Jan. 5, 1954 E. D. sYDow l HEEL FORMING MACHINE Filed Aug. 19, 1950 l0 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jan. 5, 1954 E. D. sYDow HEEL EORMING MACHINE lO Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 19, 1950 Jan. 5, -1954 E. D. sYDow HEEL FORMING MACHINE Filed Aug. 19,

lO Sheets-Sheet 4 Y TTORA/EYS Jan. 5, 1954 E. D. sYDow 2,664,563

HEEL FORMING MACHINE Filed Aug. 19, 1950 l0 Sheets-Sheet 5 ERNEST D. SYDomg Jan. 5, 1954 E. D. sYDow 2,664,563

HEEL FORMING MACHINE Filed Aug. 19, 1950 1Q Sheets-Sheet e /m/E/vro @f ERA/57' 0. Syoow,

IQTTOENEYS Jan. 5, 1954 E. D. sYDoW HEEL EOEMING MACHINE 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Aug. 19, 1950 v v Jan. 5, 1954 E D, SYDOW 2,664,563

HEEL FORMING MACHINE Filed Aug. 19, 1950 10 Sheets-sheet 9 @x l l Jan. 5, 1954 E. D. sYDoW 2,664,563

HEEL FORMING MACHINE Filed Aug. 19, 1950 lO Sheets-Sheet lO 2/2 la 94 2M 204 2f@ S f 2a@ /57 85 H L faz u l5 ,94 WWW/1 @MW gouged y Patented Jan. 5, 1954 v2,664,563 HEEL FoRmNeVMCmNE' i Ernest D. Sydow, St. Louis,-Mo., as signor to John Dallas, Texq'a corpora- E. Mitchell "Company tion ,of Missouri 1 Application August 19, 1950, Serial No. 18:0-,463

' isclaims. (c1. 1-39.s)

The present inventionrelates generally `to the shoemachine art and more 'particularly to' a novel heel forming machine for drivingone or more nails into "each end of a heel blank,4 and for maintaining the heel' blank in afco'mpressed position for a Apredetermined period `ofl time. 3

""1 Inj'oneform, thel device comprises means 'for supporting -l-andf automatically aligning and clamping a heel blank in assembled position; means forgapplying ypressure against the ends ofthe heel vblank so asto slightly compress the same; means nfor simultaneously driving nails `vintd'theh'eel blankl from each end thereof; carrier means containing means for applying clampj ing pressure to "a plurality of heel blanks for a predetermined period oftime; means for moving the carrier 'means a'predetermined distance in timed relation with the nailing means; `means for automatically releasing the pressure on one heel -blank ata predetermined'position of the carrier means; and means for .automatically jecting the released heel blank from lthe pressure applying means. .I

'As is well known'in the f art, many leather heels are built up from a plurality of lifts, the

usual practice being to'lposition the lifts in .a

vstack with both sides .of alternatenliits coated with"cementfdrivingone nail into thefstack from one end. thereof,l either by yhand ors-with a machine, ,and then placing the nailed stack in a clamping -device to maintainfthefstacked lifts firmly together until the cement hasset.

l .There are many disadvantages 'with this meth- .od an-d the present machines used-in yperforming 'the'nailing and clamping operation. `One disadvantage .is that a single nail driven into only oneend ofthestack or heel blank often doesnot prevent some of the individual liftsffromrotating before the cement has had a chance to. set. Also, when heels vare made from light colored material, `such aswhite leather board, usingthis methodthe` layers of cement form v'dark lines between the individual lifts. u

i Que/particular disadvantage with the present pressure plates used on machines for clamping the stacks of nailed. lifts until the cement hasr set, is that ,the pressure is concentrated'at the high point of the heelblank instead of being ap- Iplied evenlyover the entire lsurface of theend ofthe blank.: vThisis especially noticeable with heels and heels vwhich haveV av distinct wedge shape.

- 'its object-f represent invention; there;

a'heel blank. More particularly, it is anlobject to provide a machine forsimultaneously driving one or more nails into each end of a heelblank y `and, to driveI nails of various lengthsf j "v j Another' object is to provide aonovel assembly for supporting-and aligning a stack of lifts -for forming a heel blankand'for maintaining the stack in aligned position du-ring the nailingoperation.` More particularly, itis an object to provide an assembly which includes va plate-like member 'on whichthe lifts 'can be positioned and means for automatically bringing together a plurality of adjustable nger-like elements for aligning the lifts-and for maintaining the lifts in aligned position during the nailing" operation, and for automatically releasing the heel blank after the nailing operationhas been completed. Another 'object is to provide a novel pressure foot for bearing against oneend of the heel blank prior to and during the nailing operation, which automatically adjusts itself to the slope of the endlift. y' Another object isto provide a mechanism. for applyingA pressure' to both ends of the heel blank prior to the nailing operation so as to press .the lifts'iirmly together.` f j a ,l

Another objectisfto provide a mechanism for clamping together the nailed lifts in a heel blank and for maintaining them in a clamped position for a predetermined `period of'time. More particularly, it is an object to provide a rotatable reel-containing ay plurality ofsets of clamping plates for clamping together the nailed lifts; ,which rotatesv -a predetermined .distance each time the nailing mechanism is operated; and which separates one set ofplates at a predetermined rotated position so las to release the heel clamp, between them, and to separate another set lof plates` adjacent the first set whereby a newly nailed heel blank can be disposed between them. h y f Another object is to provide a clamping -reel of 'the `'aforementioned type which contains means for' automatically and simultaneously adjusting the distance between the sets of pressure ,he plates for accommodating heel blanks of Variousheights. l 'h I Y nnother'objectis to provide a novel pressure plate for useon the aforementioned reel which Vapplies' the" pressurefevenly to the entire surface at one end` of the' heel blank, regardless of whether the latter is nat or gouged. More particularly, `it is anv'object to kprovide a pressure plate assembly which includes a pivotally mounted, flexible pressure plate which automatically adjusts itself to the irregularity of the Various types of heel blanks so as to apply pressure evenly throughout substantially their entire surfaces.

Another object is to provide an automatically operable heel ejector for ejecting a heel blank after one complete revolution on the clamping reel.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, wherein a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which:

Fig. l is a side, elevational view of a heel forming machine constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, as viewed from the left side of the device;

.Fig 2 is a side, elevational view of the machine viewed from the right-hand side of the device;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal, sectional view taken on the line 3 3 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged, side, elevational view of the front portion of the nailing mechanism as viewed from the right side of the machine, the

mechanism being shown in the rest or inoperative position; Y

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but with some of the members shown in cross section so as to better illustrate the construction thereof;

Fig. 6 is a View similar to Fig. 5, but showing the position of the various members immediately after the foot lever has been depressed so as to start the device in operation;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6, but showing the start of the nailing operation;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7, but showing the nish of the nailing operation;

Fig. 9 is similar to Fig. 8, but showing the posi- ,tion of the members when the nailing mechanism starts to retract;

Fig. 10 is a side, elevational view of the upper jaw-like nailing mechanism in the inoperative position;

Fig. 11 is a View similar to Fig. 10, but showing the mechanism immediately after the foot lever has been depressed;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged, front, elevational View of the upper nailing assembly;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary, vertical, sectional view of the upper nailing assembly, taken on the line I3--I3 in Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged, horizontal, sectional view of the lower nailing assembly taken on the line I4-I4 in Fig. 9;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged, rear, elevational view ofv the clutch and its supporting assembly;

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary, horizontal, sectional view taken on the line IB-IB in Fig. 15, with the dog member shown in the retracted position;

Fig. 17 is a view similar4 to Fig. 16, but showing vthe dog member engaged with the freely rotating member of the clutch so as to connect together the two clutch members;

Fig. 18 is 'an enlarged, vertical, sectional view taken on the line l--IB in Fig. 3 and is an elevational view of the reel and its actuating mechanism as Viewed from the left side of the de- '18 "showing the Vactuating mechanism in the pivoted position immediately prior to the rotation of the reel at the end of the nailing operation;

Figs. 20 and 21 are enlarged, fragmentary, vertical, sectional views taken on the lines 20-20 and 2l-2I, respectively, in Fig. 18;

Fig. 22 is an enlarged-fragmentary, horizontal, sectional View taken on the line 22-22 in Fig. 18;

Fig. 23 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical, sectional view taken on the line 23-23 in Fig. 18;

Fig. 24 is an enlarged, fragmentary, Vertical, sectional viewtaken on the line 24-24 in Fig. 4;

Fig. l25 is an enlarged, side, elevational view of a portion of the reel showing the mechanism for vadjusting the spacing between the flexible plate 'assemblies and the rigid plate members,

. taken from the right side of the device;

Figs. 26 and 27 are enlarged, vertical, sectional views taken on thelines 26--26 and 21-21, re- Snecbvely. in Fig. 2 5;

Fig. 28vis an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevational view of the lower front portion of the device taken from the right-hand side showing the heel adjusting mechanism;

Fig. 29 is an enlarged, top, plan view of the lift aligning assembly prior to a heel blank being disposed therein;

Figs. 30 and 31 are vertical, transverse, sectional views taken on the lines 30--30 and 3 l-3 l, respectively, in Fig. 29;

Fig. 32 is a vertical, sectional View taken on the line 32-32 in Fig. 29;

Fig. 33 is a topI plan View of the aligning mechanism similar to Fig. 29, but showing a stack of heel lifts in position after being aligned;

Fig. 34 is a perspective view of a heel blank after the nailing operation; and

Fig. 35 is a perspective view of a modified form ofY pressure plate.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, indicates generally a heel building machine constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, which includes a mechanism for driving nails into both ends of a stack of heel lifts which have been previously coated with cement and aligned, and a mechanism for clamping the aforementioned stack of lifts or heel blank until the cement has hardened. Both of these mechanisms are operatively interconnected and are mounted on a base 4I which is made from elongated tubular members.

A pair of spaced flat elongated members 42 and 44 (Fig. 5) extend forwardly and upwardly adjacent the upper ends of vertically extending members of the base 4l.

Fastened adjacent the rear ends of the members 42 and 44 is a journal bearing 48 (Fig. 5) which rotatably supports a 'shaft 59. Fixedly mounted on the shaft adjacent its center is a grooved flywheel 52 and on one end of the shaft is a small grooved pulley 53 (Fig. 3) and on the other end thereof is a small sprocket wheel 54. n An electric motor 56 (Figs. 1 and 2) is mounted on the base 4I and contains a grooved pulley 58 on its shaft. A belt 60 extends between the pulley 58 and the flywheel 52 whereby the shaft 5D is driven from the motor 56.

Fastened on top of the elongated members 42 and 44v and extending upwardly therefrom are a pair of spaced supporting members 6| (Figs. 5 et seq.) lwhich are somewhat L-shaped and which form a supporting frame for the nail driving Urotating member 16 `by a spring 86. member 84 ycontains a notch 88 and is held in portions 64.

mechanism; y Eachl of'these members contains Va substantially vhorizontal portion 62, a substanfreely rotatably mounted on the shaft -12 and which contains a sprocket wheel 18, anda member 80 which is fixed to the shaft 12 and which contains a sprocket wheel 0I The outer periphera/l surface of the member 80 acts as a cam, as will appear, and contains an arcuate groove 82 adjacent one edge thereof and an arcuate projection 83 adjacent its other edge.

As shown in Figs. 15, 16 and 17, the fixed member 80 contains a slidable dog member 84 which is urged towards engagement with the freely The dog retracted position by a link member 90 which has'its lower end pivotally mounted between the portions 62 (Fig. 5 et seq.) The link member 90 is vnormally disposed in the notch 88 (Fig. 16) when the device is inoperative so as to maintain the dog member 84 in retracted position and permit rotational movement of the member 16 relative to the member 80. When the link member 90 is Amoved out of engagement with the notch 88, by Y `means to be described, the dog member 84 is vanother continuous chain 93 yconnects the sprocket wheel 8| on the clutch member 80 with the nail driving mechanism (to be described) for actuating the same. As shown in Figs 5 to 9, the nail driving mechanism is mounted on the L-shaped supporting frame 6|. This mechanism includes upper and lower jaw-like nailing assemblies 95 and 96, respectively, mounted on the vertical portions 64, the forward ends of the assemblies being adapted to move inwardly and outwardly so as to position nails adjacent the ends of the stack of lifts which are to be nailed together. Each assembly is formed in the shape of a parallelogram with the rearwardly extending end of .each assembly lying in a common plane so that the nailing mechanisms in the forwardly extending ends will always be in alignment regardless of the relative position of the assemblies.

Each assembly contains a pair of elongated outer .members 98, one of which is disposed on each side of the verticalportions 64 and which are pivotally mounted at one end on a shaft |00 which extends through aligned openings in the vertical portions 64. Each of these assemblies also contains a pair of inner, L-shaped, bellcrank members |02, one of which is disposed on each side of the vertical portions64 and which are pivotally mounted on shafts |04 which extend through aligned openings in the vertical Each L-shaped member |02 includes a relatively long portion |06 which forms one side of the parallelogram with the -members `98,A and arelatively short portion -|08 which nis normal to the long portion |06 adjacent the'inne'r end thereof and which is pivotally mounted on the shaft |04.

The inner ends of the short portions |08 on each side of the upwardly extending portions 64 are joined together by V-shaped toggles I I0 (Fig. 10). A yoke ||2 (Figs. 3 and 12) is fastened between the free ends of the toggles ||0 and contains an opening which receives a shaft I4. The shaft II4 is slidably mounted in an elongated sleeve I|6 (Fig. 5) which is rigidly fastened between the upwardly extending portions 64. A knurled `hand wheel ||8 is threadedly and ad- .justablly mounted on the free end of the shaft I I4 which extends forwardly from the yoke |I2. Thus, the position of the end of the shaft II4 relative to the yoke ||2 can be varied by rotating the hand wheel I |8.

When the shaft II4 is pulled rearwardly from the position shown in Fig. 5 to the position shown in Fig. 6, by means to be described, the yoke ||2 and the toggles I I0 are pulled rearwardly, thereby causing the members |02 to pivot about the shafts |04 so as to bring the -free ends of the jaw-like assemblies into the position shown in Fig. 6.

The nailing mechanism is set into operation by vdepressing the foot lever |20 which is pivotally mounted on the base 4|, and which, through linkages which will now be described, pulls the shaft ||4 rearwardly so as to closethe jaw assemblies 95 and 06, and also cause the clutch members 16 and 14 to be connected together.

Pivotally connected to the inner end of the foot lever |20 is an upwardly extending shaft |22 which is pivotally connected to the short armof a bell crank lever |24 (Fig. 5).pivota1l1y mounted between the elongated members 42 and 44. The upper end of the long arm of the bell crank lever |24 is pivotally connected to one end of a link |26, the other end of which is pivotally connected to a pair of upwardly extending lever members |28. The upper ends of the lever members I 28are mounted on a shaftl |30 which has its ends disposed in aligned slots |32 in the short portions 66 of the L-shaped members 6I. A pair of coiled springs |34 urge the upper ends of the members |28 towards the left, as viewed in Fig. 5.

Connected the levers |28 adjacent their upper ends is one end of a link |36 which has its other end connected to the inner end of the shaft I4.

Thus, when the foot lever |20 is depressed,its movement is transmitted through the shaft |22, the bell crank lever |24, and the link |26, so as to pivot the lower ends of the levers |28 towards the right, as viewed in Fig. 5. When this occurs. the shaft II4 is drawn to the right so as to close the jaw-like mechanisms 95 and 96, as previously described.

Adjustably mounted on one of the lever members |28 below the link |36, is a threaded boltlike `member |38. 'The free end ofthe member |38 is adapted to engage the upper end of an upwardly extending link |40 which is pivotally mounted between the horizontal portions 62 of the L-shaped supporting frame Pivotally con.. nected to the upper end of the link |40 is a horifzontally extending link |42. The free end of link |42 is connected to a member |43 extending fromV one of the supports 68, by a coiled spring |44. The link I 42 contains a roller |45 rotatably mounted thereon which rides on the outerV peripheral surface of the clutch member and which is adapted to ride in and out of the notch 82.

bers |28 will pivot in the clockwise direction (assuming that the foot lever |20 is released) so as to cause the jaw-like nailing assemblies 95 and 96 to open y(Fig. 5).

Mounted on the front end of the' lower jawlike assembly 96 is a mechanism |10 (Fig. 4) for aligning the stack of heel lifts to form a heel blank, prior to the nailing operation. This mechanism will now be described.

Pivotally fastened to the front ends of the lower members 98 and the portions |06 of the lower members |82 are a pair of spaced upwardly extending elongated plates |12. Brackets |14 extend outwardly from the forward edges of the Aplates |12 adjacent the lower ends thereof. Pivotally mounted between the brackets r|14 is an inverted L-shaped member having a relatively long leg portion |16 and a relatively short leg portion |18 adjacent "the upper end thereof. A

slot |80 is provided in the short leg portion |18 so as to adjustably support a stack of adjustable nger-like members |8 Connected between the inner end of the short leg portion |18 and the short portions |88 of thelower bell-crank members |02 is a rod-like member |82 which passes adjacent one of the spaced plates |12 and which contains a turn buckle |84. Thus, when the bellcrank members |02 are actuated by the shaft I4 being moved to the right, as described above, the stack of adjustable fingers |8| is pulled inwardly by the rod-like member |82 (Fig. 6

Fixedly mounted between the upper ends of the plates |12 is a tubular member |85 (Figs. 5 and 13) which has acylindrical member |85 fastened therein, as by press fitting, so as to extend upwardly therefrom. The tubular member |85 contains an upwardly extending projection |86 at its upper end, and a pair of narrow passageways |81 extend longitudinally through the cylindrical member |85 for a purpose to appear. `Slidably and removably disposed on the upper end of the cylindrical member |85 isa sleeve |88 'which contains an elongated notch |90 adjacent the lower end thereof to receive the projection |86 so as to prevent the sleeve |88 from rotating relative to the tubular member |85 and the cylindrical member |85.

' lAn elongated plate |92 (Figs. 6, 13 and 29-33) is formed integral with the upper endl of the sleeve |88. The plate |92 contains an opening l which receives the upper end of` the cylindrical member |85' and an elongated notch |94 in its front edge which receives the housing 409 which supports the finger-like members |8|. Mounted adjacent the rear edge of the plate |92 is a bracket |96 which. slidably receives a bar-like member |98. A setscrew 200 extends through the bracket |96 and adjustably fastens the bar |98 in Yselected position. Fastened to the front end of Ythe bar |98` is a transversely extending member 202 which has aligning assemblies 204 pivotally n mounted on a pivot 40| on each end thereof.

Each aligning assembly 284 includes a bar4 206 which has a vertically extending plate 208 mounted on the front of it adjacent the inner end there- `2|8 which tends to pivot the plates 208 forwardof. Extending forwardly from the bar 206 ad? ly about pivot 40| and the finger-like elements 2 2 outwardly to a position as shown in Fig. 29.

A heel blank 2|8 is formed by placing a dry lift on the plate |92 (Fig. 29) and shoving it forwardly against the plates 208 so as to cause the latter to pivot backwardly and the linger-like elements 2|2 to pivot inwardly to assume a position as shown in Fig. 33. A second lift is then coated on both sides with cement by running it through a cement applying device, which forms no part of the present invention and which is well known to those skilled in the art, and the cement-coated lift is placed on top of the rst or bottom dry lift. Another dry lift is then placed on top of the cement covered lift, a cement covered lift is placed on top of the last dry lift, etc., until the required number of lifts are stacked together.

The iinger-like elements 2|2 are adjusted so that the space between the inner opposed ends thereof increases upwardly as shown in Fig. 30-to compensate for the increased size of the lifts. Thus, when the heel blank 2|8 is pressed firmly against 'the plates 208, the stack of nger-like elements 2|2 on each side are pivoted inwardly, as described above, so as to maintain the heel blank 2|8 in a fixed position. When thefoot lever |20 is actuated, the front stack of ngerlike elements |8| is brought inwardly against the front edge of the heel blank so that the latter is completely enclosed by the nger-like elements and two plates 208 (Fig. 6).

At the end of the Working day, that part of the assembly which includes the plate |92 and the finger-like elements 2| 2 is removed by sliding the sleeve-like member |88 off of the cylindrical member |85. It is then immersed overnight in a bath of solvent to loosen and remove the cement which has accumulated on it during the heel forming operations.

The plates |12, which are fastened at the free end of the lower jaw-like mechanism 98, contain vertically extending grooves 220 (Fig. 14) in the inner face thereof. Disposed between the plates 12 adjacent the lower ends thereof is a block-like member 222 which contains a projection 224 on each side whichl is in sliding engagement with the grooves 220.

Adjustably mounted in the block-like member 222 is a supporting member 226 (Figs. 5 8) which contains two elongated nail-driving elements 228 which extend upwardly therefrom and which are slidably disposed in the passageways |81 in the cylindrical member |85. The supporting :nember 226 is adjustable relative to the block-like member 222 to compensate for inaccuracies in machining and for play in the linkage.

A projection 230 (Figs. 5-8) extends rearwardly from the member 222 and pivotally fastened thereto is an upwardly extending link 232. Connected between the upper end of the link 232 and the lower shaft is a lever 234. The lever 234 is caused to oscillate by a mechanism which will now be described, so as to cause the nail-driving elements 228 to reciprocate within the passageways |81.

Rotatably mounted between the portions |06 of the lower bell-crank member |02 (Fig. 4) and extending therethrough is a crank shaft 236 (similar to the crank shaft 280 as shown in Fig. 24) which has a sprocket wheel 238 mounted on one endthereof outside of the portion |86. The sprocket wheel 238 drives the crank shaft 236, as will appear. A link 248 is rotatably mounted on the offsetV portion of the crank shaft 236 and descrew 214.

aeeeee l l pends therefrom, the lower end of the. link 240 being rotatably fastened to the member 23,4.v ad.n jacent its center. Thus, when the sprocket Wheel 238 and crank shaft 236- are rotated,` the link 2de causes the member 234 toV move-up and down, carryingY the block-like member 222 andthe nail'- driving elements 228Y withA it. rThis constitutes the'lower part of the nailing mechanism proper.

The upper nailing mechanism is mounted'v on the free end of the upper jaw-like assembly 95 andY will now be described.

Pivotally mounted on the ends of the members 98' and portions |66` of` the members |62 are a pair of spaced plates 242'(Fig. 13). Fastened adjacent the bottom of the plates 242 isa. tubular housing 244 which receives a removable cylindriF cal member 24e. A vertically extending'passageway 248 is contained in the cylindrical member 246. The. upper endA of the passageway 248 is enlarged slightly so as to provide a funnel-like portion. A horizontal passageway 249. extends through' one wall or thef housing' 244 and.y the cylindrical member 246, to the passageway 248. Disposed; within the' horizontal'- passageway 249 arev a. ball 258, a spring 25| and a setscrew 252., the ball 2.56- being disposed adjacent'thepassageway. As` shown in Fig. 13, the ball 256 isA disposed in the passageway 248. soV as to block the same,` but is movableI away from the: passageway against theY spring 25|f by thepassage' of a nail orV the likev through thepassageway 246;

The lower end of the cylindrical member 246 extends below the housing 244 and pivotally mounted thereon` isa foot member 253 which is biased by a spring 254, tending to rotate it. inthe clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 13- Because the foot 253 is pivotally mounted on the cylindrical member 246., it will automatically alignY itself with. the upper lift of the stack Z-i.

Also, the forward end of theeot member 25d. is f' pivoted upwardly by theY spring 254- soasto1 be out of the way of the operator when, placing the lifts one on top of the other on the plate |92, as previously described.

The upper ends of the plates 242 extend forwardly so as to provide a pair ofl spaced brackets 256. Pivotally mounted between; the brackets 256 on a shaft 25'! which extends-therebetween, is a tubular housing 256. Thet-ubular housing: 258

contains a closure member 266 at the bottom end which has an openingv 262 therethrough: An

elongated slot 264` extends downwardly'from; the

top rear edge of the tubular housing 258;

Sli'dably mounted within the housing 258: is a sleeve-like member 266 which contains internal 'f threads; and which has a rearwardly'extendi'ng bracket 268 which extends through thefslot 254.

Threadedly disposed within the member 266 is an. adjustable supporting member 210 which has a dependingA elongated nail-driving member 212 fastened to the lower end thereof, the lower end of the nail-driving. member 2`|2v being adaptedto extend through the passageway 262 and into-the passageway 248. Thus, by threading the supporting member 216 within the sleeve 266;. the position of the lower endof thenail-driying'element 272 can be adjusted relative tothe opening 262.

Extending forwardly in front of andY between the two plates 242 is a bracket 2T3` (Figs. l2 and 13) which contains an inwardly extending set- 'I'he inner end of the setscrew 214' is adapted to Contact the tubular housing 2518"' when it is pivoted forwardly, as will be described, s0

12 as, toi limit its` forward travel andY thereby align thefopening 2.62-with the passageway. 248,

Depending from the bracket 268, which extends rearwardly from the housing 266; through the slot 264, is a short link 216, the lower end of which is pivotally'fastened to oneend of a lever 276. The otherend of the lever 218 (Fig. 8) is mounted on the upper shaft |60".

Rotatably mounted between they portions |96 of the-rupper L-shaped bell-crankmembersv |22 is a crank shaft 289l (Fig. 24) which is similar to the cra-nk shaft 236 previously described'. A sprocket wheel 282, similar to the sprocket wheel 238, is mountedon'one-end of the crank shaft 286 outside' of the portion |06: Rotatably mounted on the offset portion of the crank shaftl 286' and extending upwardly therefrom isa link 28d-which is similar tothe link 249V described above. The upper.- end of. the.` link 286V is, fastened, tok the lever 2'|8 adjacent` its center so that when the sprocket wheel 222 and crank: shaft 286 are rotated, the lever'.A 228l oscillates and, causes the nail-driving element 22.2y toY reciprocate;

As shown in Fig. 5, the tubular housing 2,58 is pivotedaway from the passageway 243 when the devicezis. intherest ord inoperative position sothat anailcan beinserted in the passageway 248-, and, when the-foot lever |26-is actuated, the housing is pivoted so that it is inv alignment withthe housing 244n (Fig. 6) Thefmechanism-.for accomplishing this; will now7 be described;

Extending downwardly fromV one.Y end'- of the shaft 25.7l (Figs. e, 10.*andl1) which pivotally supports the tubular housing 258-is a shortlink 288 which has a rollerV 29.0.- rotatably mounted adjacent the lower end; thereof (Figs. l()4 and 1711). A spring 292 is. connectedy between; the lower end ofthelink- 288 and the bottom. of one of the upper members 98so.- as tourge the shaft 251.- and the cylindrical housing 258-to` rotate inthe counterclockwise direction, as. viewed inl-figs 10, and l1. Piyotallymountede adjacent the forward end of one of the members 9.8- isa cam 294 which contains. a notchy 295V which is adapted` to receivethe roller 290.. An arcuate link 296. is,` connected between. the cam- 2.94 andthe portionv |652 adjacent thereto. Thus, when the upper jaw-like. nailing assembly is intheI position.I shown in Fig. 10, the tubular shaped` housing 258. is pivotedA away from the nail receiving passageway 248 andthe roller. 290. is disposedin the notch 29.5. This permits a nail to be inserted in. the4 passageway 248 and. to be held thereinby the ball 25.0. previously described. However,v when the foot lever |20 is depressed so as. to pivot the upperv jaw-like nailing mechanism 95 inwardly tothe position. shown in. Fig.. 11,. as. previously described, the arm 29.6 causes the cam 294 to pivot in, the counterclockwiseV direction thereby forcing, the roller 290 out of. the. notch. 29.5 and onto the outer periph.- ery of. the cam-A 294. This causes the roller and 1ink288 to pivot in the clockwise direction so as to bring theY openingV 262A of the cylindrical housing` 25.8 in alignment with the passageway 248 and the nail disposed therein.

The sprocket wheels 23S and 282 (Figs. 51-8) for actuating the crank shafts which in turn drive the nailing` mechanisms, are driven from the sprocket wheel el. which is, mounted on the fixed portion 86 of the clutch '|4. This driving means will now be described.

Mounted on the ends of each of the two shafts |04, which extend from the left side of the device, are two sprocket wheels 295 and 296 (Fig. 3). A continuous chain 291 extends between the sprocket wheel' 295 on the upper shaft |04 and the sprocket wheel 282 for driving the upper nailing mechanism, and another continuous chain 298 extends between the sprocket wheel `295 on the lower shaft |04 and the sprocket wheel 236 for driving the lower nailing mechanism. Rotatably mounted between the portions 66 of the member 62 adjacent the upper ends of the lever members |28 is a shaft 299. Mounted on the end of the shaft 299 extending from the left side of the mechanism is a sprocket wheel 300. Mounted on the shaft 299 between the spaced portions 66 is a cam 30| which is adapted to engage a roller 302 rotatably mounted on the shaft |30. 'I'he shaft |30 is the one which supports the upper ends of the lever members |28, as previously described.

4 v,The shaft |62 on which the L-shaped latch member |6| is pivotally mounted extends from the left side of the mechanism, and freely rotatgymounted thereon is a small sprocket wheel The continuous chain 93, previously described as being disposed around the sprocket wheel 8| on the 4clutch member 60, extends forwardly from the top of the sprocket wheel 8|, under the sprocket `wheel 300, over the sprocket wheel 296 on the uppershaft |04, downwardly and around the back ,of the idler, sprocket wheel 303, forwardlyaround the sprocket wheel 296 on the lower shaft |04, and thenceback to the sprocket wheel 8|. Thus,v when the member 80 of the clutch 14 and its sprocket wheel 8| are rotated by reason of the dog member 84 connecting together "the two members of the clutch, the sprocket wheel 300 and the sprocket wheels 282 and 238 will also be rotated.

Before starting the nailing operation by depressing the foot lever |20, nails are inserted in the passageways |81 in the lower nailingmechanism and in the passageway 248 in the upper nailing mechanism, The nails in the lower passageways |81 drop downwardly until they abut the upper ends ofthe nail-driving members 228 and the nail in the upper passageway 246 is held in position by the spring biased ball 250, previously described. l

The heel lifts are then placed one on top of the other on top of the plate |92, as previously described, so as to form a heel blank 2|8. This phase of the operation is shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

The foot lever |20 is then depressed, thereby causing the lower ends of the lever` members |28 to move to the right, as previously described, thereby permitting the dog member 84 (Fig. 17) to engage the xed clutch member 16 so as to connect together the two clutch members 16 and 80. This movement of the lever members |28 also causes the upper and lower jaw-like assemblies to pivot inwardly and the cylindrical housing 258 to move into alignment with the upper passageway 248, as previously described. This-phase of the operation is shown by comparing Figs. and 6.

' 4Inasmuch as the clutch member 1.6 rotates continuously, the clutch member 80 will start to rotate in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 6 when the dog member 84 connects together the members 16 and 80. Rotation of the clutch member 90 causes the sprocket wheel 8| to rotate in the clockwise direction, thereby moving the continuous chain 93 so as to rotate the sprocket wheel 300, the sprocket wheel 296 on-the upper shaft |04, the idler sprocket wheel 303', and the sprocket wheel 296 on the lower shaft |64, as previously described. As' shown in Fig. 6, the stepping on the foot lever |20 causes the footv member 253 to be disposed a short distance' above the upper end of the heel blank 2|8. However, when the sprocket wheel 300 starts to rotate in the counterclockwise direction, the projection on the cam 30| forces the roller 302 rearwardly against the action of the springs |34, thereby pulling the rod I4 rearwardly a short distance so as to bring the ends of the jaw-like assemblies 95 and 96 closer together, whereby the foot member 253 compresses the heel blank-2|0. This is' shown in Fig. 7.

Rotation of the sprocket wheels 296 on `the upper and lower shafts |94 rotates the shafts and the sprocket wheels 295 mounted thereon. Rotation of the sprocket wheels 265 causes rotation ofthe sprocket wheels 282 and 238 which are driven by means of the continuous chains 29!v` and 298, respectively. Rotation of the sprocket wheels 202 and 268 causes the crank shaft 280 and 236 to rotate, thereby causing the members 218 and 234 to move inwardly, as shown in Fig. 7. Inward movement ofthe lever 218 causes the nail-driving member 212 to move downwardly in the passageway 240 so as to contact the upper end of the nail disposed therein. Also, the inward or upward movement of the lever member 234 in like manner causes the lower rod-like members 229 to move upwardly in the passageways |81. As the crank shaft 280 continues to rotate in the clockwise direction, and the crank shaft 236 continues to rotate in the counterclockwise direction, the upper nail-driving element 212 and the lower rod-like elements 228 will continue to move inwardly against the heads of the nails disposed in the passageways 248 and |81, respectively, so as to simultaneously drive the nails into the opposite ends of the heel blank 2| 8. The end of the nail driving stroke is shown in Fig. 8.

Continued rotation of the crank shafts 280 and 236 causes the nail-driving elements 212 and 228 to be retracted, as shown in Fig..9. j When the crank shafts 289 and 236 complet one revolution and the members 218 and 234 are in their outermost position, the cam member 00 of the clutch 14 will also have completed one revolution so that the dog `member 84 will be drawn out of engagement with the clutch member 16 by the wedge |69 onthe member 90, as previously described, so that rotation of the clutch member will cease. As previously described, just prior to the clutch member 80 making a rcomplete revolution the projection 83 on it will contact the roller |60 on the V-shaped member |59 so as to cause the latch member |'50 to be lifted upwardly, thereby permitting the lever-members |26 to return to their original position, as shown in Fig. 5. As was previously described, the return of the lever member |28 to its original position permits the rod-like member I4 to move to the left, thereby permitting the jaw-like assemblies and 96 to open. Also, when the jaw-like assemblies 95 and 96 open, the L-shaped member which contains the fingerlike elements |9| moves forwardly away from the front end of the stack of heel lifts 2 8. When the pressure is removed from the front end of the heel blank 2|8, the spring 2|6 (Fig. 33), which vis connected between the assemblies 204. causes the plates 208 on the inner ends of the rods 296 to move forwardly (Fig. 29) and the iinger-like elements 2 2 to move away from the heel blank 2| 8 thereby releasing it, and permitting its removal for insertion in the clamping reel 304, which will now loe-described. Y'

The reel 304 (Figs. 1, 2 and 18) is rotatably mounted on a shaft 335 which extends from the right side of the device and includes a wheel member 335 and aring member 337- fastened thereto. The wheel member 303 contains a hub 308 and radiating spokes 353 (Fig. 18).

Fastened to the spokes 333 adjacent the hubv 308 is a sprocket wheel 3H) (Figs. 18 and 19), and formed integral with the spokes 339 are an inner ring 3|2 and an outer ring 3M of L-shaped cross section containing a shoulder 3l5 (Fig.

A plurality of short shafts 355 extend normal to thevertical portion of the outer ring 3M, and pivotally mounted thereon are a plurality of tensioning arms 3I'l (Figs. 18, 2() and 21). The lower end of each of the tensioning arms 3H contains an arcuate shoulder 3i8 which is adapted to ride on the inner ring 312 (Figs. 3, 19 and 20). Rotatably mounted on the lower ends of the arms 3H' adjacent the shoulders 318' are rollers 323. As shown in Fig. 1S, coiled springs 32| are disposed between the arms so as to urge the shoulder CHS towards the ring 3l2. VThe springs 32| exert the pressure on the heel blanks 2i8, as will appear.

Fastened to the upper ends of the tensioning arms 3H which project beyond the outer ring 3M are flexible pressure plate assemblies 322 (Fig. 18).

Each pressure plate assembly7 322 comprises a bracket 324 which is removably fastened to the endl of a tensioning arm 3V! by a setscrew 325 (Figs. 2i and 22). Pivotally mounted on one end' of the bracket 324 is an elongated member 328 which has a rectangular shaped opening 329 in the center thereof (Fig. 21). A hairpinshaped spring 333 extends through the bracket 324 and bears against one face of the member 328 so as to tend to maintain the member 328 normal to the bracket 324. Fastened' to the other face of the elongated member 328, as byA riveting, is a set of flexible plates (Fig. 22) This set comprises a rst spring-like resilient plate 332 immediately adjacent the member 323, which has a crimped edge 333. Adjacent the first plate 332 is a relatively narrow elongated spacer member 334 and adjacent the spacer member 331i is a flat resilient plate 335 of steel or like material. As shown in Fig. 22, the outer crimped edges 333 of the plate 332 bear against the back of the flat plate 335 so as to act as a spring and buttress it. When the pressure plate assembly 322 is forced against the end of a gouged heel blank, the plate 335 flexes so as to conform with its shape so as to be in contact with the entire surface thereof, whereby the holding pressure is distributed over the entire surface instead of being concentrated at its periphery or at only certain parts, as is the case with the plates in use at the present time.

Also, because the plates 335 and their associated members are pivotally mounted on the brackets 324, the plates 335 will adapt themselves to the end oi a heel blank regardless of whether it is flat or wedge-shaped.

A slightly modied plate 335A is shown in Fig. 351. It is used in the same manner and is similar to plate 335 except that it has a thin layer of resilient material such as rubber fastened to its face. This construction has the particular advantage that the rubber. or the like, will more readily adapt itself to slight irregularities in the end surface of the heel blank.

Formed in the vertical portion of the outer ring 3|4' on the wheel member 335 are a series-oi spaced arcuate slots 335 (Figs. 18 and 25). Extending through all but three of the slots 335 are bolts 333 (Fig. 2) which support the ring member 333 by passing through openings 339 contained in it. This construction permits relative movement between the ring member 331 and the outer ring 3M, which is limited only by the length of the slots 333'.

The three slots 336 which do not contain the bolts 333 as commented on above, are positioned relatively close together, as shown in Fig. 25, and

isposed adjacent them so as to bear on the shoulder 3l5 of the ring member 335, is an arcuate runner 343. The arcuate runner 333 contains three openings 332, each of which is in alignment with one of the three closely spaced slots 333. As shown in Fig, 27, elongated bolts 344 extend through the openings 333 in the ring member 33T, through the slots 336, and through the openings 342 containedin the runner 343. Nuts 345 are disposed on the ends of the bolts 344 to maintain them in position.

Connected between the end bolt 334 (which is slightly longer than the other two) and a bolt 356, fastened to the outer ring 3 l 4, is an elongated adjusting member 343 which includes a turn buckle 353 (Fig. 25). Thus, when the turn buckle 353 is rotated, the length of the member 348 is changed and the runner 341] and ring member 30T are moved relative to the outer ring portion 3M. This varies the distance between the sets of clamping plates between which the heel blanks 2l3 are disposed.

An annular groove 352 is formed in the inner face o the ring member 307. This groove receives one end of the pins 3I6 on which the tensioning arms 3H are rotatably mounted (Figs. 20, 21 and 26).

Mounted on the ring member 331 between it and the outer ring 314 in a manner to be described are a plurality of xed plate supporting members 353, there being one fixed plate supporting member for each flexible plate assembly 322. Each xed plate supporting member 353 includes a base block 354 (Figs. 23 and 27) which contains a projectionv 355 disposed in the groove 352V in the ring member 301. The projection 355 ts snugly in the groove 352 (Fig. 27) so as to maintain the base 354 rigidly in position. Some ofl the base blocksv 354 are mounted on the bolts 344, previously described as extending through the openings in the runner 340, and some are mounted on short machine screws 356 (Fig. 23) which extend through openings formed in the ring member 301.

Brackets 353 are removably mounted on the upper ends of the bases 354 by setscrews 333, and fastened to the brackets 358 are rigid plates 362 (Fig. 23).

Each time the jaw-like nailing assemblies and 95 are brought together so as to drive nails into a heel blank 2 I8, as previously described, the reel member 304 rotates a predetermined distance, releases one heel blank from the clamping action of one set of plates 335 and 352, and moves another set of emptyplates 335 and 352 into position to receive a newly nailed heel blank 2l8. The mechanism for advancing the reel 334 will now be described.

Pivotally mounted on the shaft 335 which supports the reel member 334 (between the nailing mechanism and the reel) is a hub 353 (Fig. 3). Fixedly mounted on the hub 353 is a rst actuating member which contains a long arm portion from the shaft 239 (Fig.. 4) whichis rotatably mounted between the portions 63. of the members 60, as previously described. Thus, the cam member 313 is driven indirectly ley-the. continuous chain 93 and the sprocket 81 on the fixed clutch member S0. s l

Connected between the endfothe .long .arm portion 334 and the base 4| ofthe machineis 'a coiled spring 314 which urges the long arm portion 334 downwardly. Mounted on the end ofthe ratchet arm 33.3 is aspringbiased dog31 -which engages the teethon the sprocket,wheelL 3.1.0. Thus, when the cam member 31,0 rotates ,in the .clockwise directionqas indicated in Fig. 19,v the .roller 338 is graduallyforced `downwardly4 and` `the long arm portion 364 is rotatedupwardly,

thereby stretching the spring 314. At the same time, the ratchet supporting arm 366 is rotated in theclockwise direction so as Ato move the ratchet dog 313 one tooth ontheratchet wheel ,310. When the roller338drops` off of thehigh point on the cam 313 ontothelow portion thereof, the spring'314 pulls the long arm 364 downwardly and moves the ratchet Vsupportingarm 333 in the counterclockwisedirection. This rotates the reel 304 one-twentieth `of a rezvolution,` there Vbei ng20 ratchet teeth and 20 sets of plates in the device illustrated. Y y Y V Mounted on the cam-supporting arm 361 (Fig. 3) which, as previouslyfdescribed, isr4 formed integral with the ratchet supporting armf316,iis a cam 318 which has an outer arcuate edge containing a curved portion 313 and two notches 33 0 and 382. y n When the cam 310 rotates so as to rotate the long arm portion 364 and the ratchet supporting arm 336 in the Vclockwise direction, as VVdescribed above, the cam. 313 will also rotate in the clock- .wise direction in like manner. During this phase of the operation, the reel 304 remains stationary so that the roller 323 of the tensioning arm 311 which was slightly below the lower end of the cam 318 shown atstage A, is now disposed adjacent, but not in, the notch 382 shown at B, the

`roller of the tensioning arm 311, which was disposed adjacent the notch 332 at B, is now positioned in the notch 380 at C, and the roller of the tensioning arm 311,4 which was positioned in the notch 380 at C, is now moved onto the Aarcuate surface 319 at D.

*,311 moves into the notch 380, the arm is pivoted lso as to move its plate assembly 322 away from .the rigid plate 332 adjacent thereto, and thereby release the heel blank 218 held between them. .As will be described, automatic means arerpro- 18 videdl for ejecting the heel blank 218 thus released.

I'he tensioning arm 211, the roller of which was moved from the notch 383 onto the arcuate portion 313 of the cam, is pivoted further to increase the distance between its plate assembly 322 and the rigid plate 332 adjacent thereto so as to receive a newly nailed heel blank 213.

When the tensioning arm 211, which has received a newly nailed heel blank 218, moves upwardly off of the arcuate portion 319 due to further movement of the cam 310, it is pivoted due to the force exerted by the spring 321 bearing against it so as to rmly clamp the heel blank between its plate assembly 322 and the rigid plate ..332 adjacent thereto.

When the long arm portion 334 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction by the spring 314,

as previously described, the hub 363 and the two actuating members mounted thereon (which include the cam supporting arm 361and the cam 318) are` also rotated inthe counterclockwise direction. Thus, as thereel 334 and the actuating arms311 mounted thereon rotate in the counterclockwise direction, the cam 318 also rotates in `This is accomplished by a plurality of studs 384 (Fig. 2) whichextend outwardly from the inner ring portion 312 and which are engaged by a dog 333 (Figs. 2 and 18), thereby preventing the reel V304 from rotating in the clockwise direction. as

viewed in Fig. 18.

. As mentioned previously, the finished heel blank 218 is ejected from the reel 304 adjacent `the point where the one tensioning arm 311 rides onto the cam 313 and into the notch 380, shown .as stagelCinFg., y1,9. .The cam 313, which causes Hthe reel 334 to,rotate;,also actuates the ejecting mechanism whichwill now be described.

4vAs shown,in1Eig.28, alever arm 388 is pivotally .mounted on, v4the-lower shaft |04. Rotatably :mountedfon the upper end of the leverarm 388 is aroller,393, which. rides.on the cam 310. Pivotally mounted 4-on, a cross member 392 at the front of the deviceas showninFig. 3, is an ejector arm 394, the free end of which is adapted. to pass between a flexible plate assembly 322 and the rigid plate 352 adjacent thereto. A short arm 393 extends inwardly from the ejector arm 334 and connected between the free end thereof and the lower end of the lever 388 is an elongated member 398. As shown in Fig. 3, a spring 430 is connected between the member 398 and thecross member 392 sol as to ,returnA the ejecting arm 394 'after it has ejected a stack of lifts 218. Thus,l as the cam V311! is rotated, the lever arm .5 `when the vfoot lever is depressed, the lever .members 1M.y are actuated so as to cause the jawlike nailing assemblies 95 and S0 to move together to position the foot 253 adjacent the upper end of the heel blank 218 disposed on the plate 192, and to connect the stationary member 80 of the clutch 14 with the constantly rotating member 18 (Figs. 15, 16 and '17) As the lower jaw-like nailing assembly 98 moves upwardly, it causes the stack of adjustable ngerlike elements 181 to abut the forward edge of the heel blank 218 (Fig. 6). And, as the upper nailing assembly 95 moves downwardly, the tubular housing 258, which contains the rod-like nailing member 212, is moved into alignment with the upper nail receiving passageway 248.

The member 30 of the clutch 14 and the sprocket wheel 8| fastened thereto starts to rotate and to drive the continuous chain 93, which, in turn, causes rotation of the cams 301 and 310 and the sprocket wheels 238 and 232.

The cam 30| causes additional movement of the lever members 128 so as to bring the foot member 253 against the top of the heel blank to slightly compress the same (Fig. 7).

As the cam 310 rotates (Figs. 18 and 19), it starts rotation of the actuating mechanism for rotating the reel 304 so as to cause the ratchet dog 318 to move one tooth on the rachet wheel 31o, and it also starts the 'heel ejecting mechanisrn in operation.

The rotation of the sprocket wheels 238 and 282 causes the rod-like nail driving members 228 and 212 to move inwardly so as to drive nails into each end of the heel blank 218. As shown and described, one nail is driven into the top and two nails are driven into the bottom of the heel blank, but obviously the machine can be constructed so that any number or nails can be driven into each end of the stack of lifts 218. This is limited only bythe size of the members which containY the nail receiving passageways and the number of nail receiving passageways which can be formed in them.

Simultaneously with the driving of the nails into the ends of the heel blank 218, the rotation of the cam 310 produces movement of the l cam 318. This causes a first set of previously opened clamping plates on the reel 304 to open wider preparatory to receiving a newly nailed heel blank, and a second set of clamping plates which had been closed to open and release the pressure on a heel blank held between them. At the same time, a third set of clamping plates, which had received a newly nailed heel blank, are brought together so as to compress the heel blank firmly between them.

The same movement of the cam 310 also causes the heel ejecting mechanism to eject the heel blank from between the second set of newly released clamping plates (Figs. 3 and 28).

As the rod-like nailing members 228 and 212 are retracted by further rotation of the sprocket wheels 238 and 282, the roller 368 on the reel actuating mechanism rides onto the lower part of the cam 31E? so as to permit the spring 314 to rotate the reel actuating mechanism and the reel 304 a predetermined distance.

As the member 80 of the clutch 14 nishes one complete rotation, it actuates the V-shaped member 159, which raises the latching member 150 and permits the lever members 12B to return to their rest or inoperative position. As the lever members |28 return'to their inoperative position (Fig. the jaw-like nailing assemblies 05 and 86 open. The downward movement of the lower nailing assembly 9B causes the stack of fingerlike elements 181 to move away from adjacent the rear of heel blank 218 so as to release it and permit it to be removed and placed between the set of clamps on the reel 304 which had been opened to receive it.

Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided a novel heel forming machine which fulfills al1 of the objects and advantages sought therefor.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings have been given only by way of illustration and example, and that changes and alterations in the present disclosure, which will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

l. In a heel forming machine, a pair of elongated nailing mechanisms mounted on a support so as to extend forwardly therefrom, each of said mechanisms containing a nailing assembly at its free end which includes a member for receiving at least one nail, at least one of said mechanisms being pivotally mounted on the support; means for causing relative movement of the nailing assemblies between a closed position in which the nail receiving members are spaced close together in alignment and an open position in which they are spaced apart; and means for varying the distance between the nail receiving members in the closed position to accommodate heel blanks of various lengths, the nail receiving members remaining in alignment in the closed position regardless of the distance between them; said lastmentioned means including a housing carried by each of said nailing mechanisms and threadably adjustable plungers therein for axially adjusting said nailing assemblies.

2. In a heel forming machine, a pair of pivotally mounted elongated nailing mechanisms having nailing assemblies adjacent the free ends thereof, each nailing assembly including a member for receiving at least one nail, said mechanisms being simultaneously movable between a closed position in which the nail receiving members are spaced close together in alignment and an open position in which said members are spaced apart; means for varying the distance between the nail receiving members in the closed position to accommodate heel blanks of various lengths, the nail receiving members remaining in alignment in the closed position regardless of the distance between them; said last-mentioned means including a housing carried by each of said nailing mechanisms and threadably adjustable plungers therein for axially adjusting said nailing assemblies; and means for driving nails from the nail receiving members into a heel blank disposed between them when the mechanisms are in the closed position.

3. In a heel forming machine, a pair of elongated nailing mechanisms mounted on a support so as to extend forwardly therefrom, each of said mechanisms containing a nailing assembly at its free end which includes a member for receiving at least one nail, at least one of said mechanisms being pivotally mounted on the support; means carried by one of said nailing assemblies for supporting and aligning a stack of lifts between its nail receiving member and the nail receiving member of the other nailing mechanism; means for causing relative movement or the 

